L.A. Marathon Course May Change
Part of the allure of the Los Angeles Marathon for thousands of tourist-runners, Hollywood, apparently will be cut from the route because of construction on the Metro Rail’s Red Line train system.
The construction also could prompt moving the race’s start and finish away from the Coliseum.
Marathon officials were told Monday by Metro Rail President Frank White that construction along Hollywood Boulevard, which involves more than two miles of the course, will make the street inaccessible to runners. “Metro Rail is going to do what fire, flood, civil unrest and earthquakes couldn’t do: change the course,” said Bill Burke, marathon president.
Burke had announced after this year’s race, the 10th, that the course would be reviewed, in part because of complaints by residents in some of the neighborhoods along the 26.2-mile course.
One change under consideration is starting the race at Dodger Stadium.
Burke said he will ask a group of officials from the city and The Athletics Congress to review the course and offer recommendations, with a decision expected in 30-45 days.
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